Block Party Basics

Get your neighborhood bash sizzling

Block parties are the perfect outdoor activity to bond with family and neighbors, making new friendships and celebrating old ones while enjoying delicious food. The smoky smell of the grill, appetizing homemade recipes and fun games for the whole family are sure to provide an afternoon of fun for the entire neighborhood.

In today's busy world, hectic schedules often make it tough for neighbors to get together. To cut down on planning time and simplify the process, follow these steps to make any block party a hit.

Select a Spot--Pick a family-friendly location such as a neighborhood cul-de-sac or nearby park. Remember, a street closure permit could take five to six weeks to process, so plan ahead.

Decide on a Day--Select a few options for dates and take a neighborhood poll to determine when most people can attend.

Find a Focus--Choose a theme to tie everything together--from music to decorations. Pick a tropical island theme and ask partygoers to wear colorful flowered shirts or a sports theme where guests can wear their favorite team's jerseys.

Make the Menu--Sizzling grilled foods and sumptuous sides keep everyone hungry for more. Organize a committee to prepare the food or coordinate a potluck and have each family bring their favorite block party fare. Offer two to three main dishes that appeal to everyone at the party--such as chicken, beef and veggie burgers, in addition to a selection of delectable sides, including potato salad, baked beans and cole slaw. Try these recipes, which are large enough to feed a crowd.

Kielbasa Barbecue Sandwich with Buttermilk Ranch Coleslaw

Recipe created by Chris Jackson, executive chef at Six Penn Kitchen, Pittsburgh
12 pounds of kielbasa sausage links
3 bottles (24 ounces each) of KC Masterpiece Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
4 jars (24 ounces each) of bread and butter sliced pickles
50 sausage rolls or buns of choice
6 1/4 cups French fried onions

Buttermilk Ranch Coleslaw

3 cups champagne vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar
1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing Mix Buttermilk Recipe
2 cups sour cream
6 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons celery salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
5 bags (16 ounces each) shredded coleslaw mix

Pour champagne vinegar into a large bowl and stir in sugar until dissolved. Add Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing Mix Buttermilk Recipe, sour cream, mayonnaise, celery salt and pepper. Mix well. Divide mixture into two large bowls. Add 2 1/2 bags coleslaw mix to one bowl and remaining coleslaw mix to second bowl. Mix both bowls until coleslaw mix is evenly distributed. Leave coleslaw in refrigerator for one hour or up to 12 hours. Light grill using Kingsford Charcoal with Sure Fire Grooves. Cut kielbasa in half lengthwise. Place kielbasa halves on grill, cut side down and cook for 3 minutes. Flip kielbasa and cook for 3 more minutes while basting with KC Masterpiece Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce. Place four pickle slices on bottom of each roll and put two kielbasa halves on top of pickles. Spoon Buttermilk Ranch Coleslaw on kielbasa and top with a small handful of French fried onions. Serve sandwiches on a large platter. Serves: 50.

Southern-Style Ranch Chicken

Recipe created by Walter Royal, chef at Angus Barn, Raleigh, N.C.

11 whole chickens with skin, quartered, washed, defatted and patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
11 Glad Food Storage Zipper, gallon-sized bags
2 packets (1 ounce each) Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
3 cups Hidden Valley Italian Ranch dressing
1/2 cup honey
6 cloves garlic, minced
KC Masterpiece Honey Barbecue Sauce, to taste

Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper to taste and place inside plastic bags. In a small bowl, combine Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix with Hidden Valley Italian Ranch dressing, honey and garlic. Stir well and pour mixture evenly over chickens. Close bags and refrigerate, marinating for 4 hours or overnight. Light grill using Kingsford Charcoal with Sure Fire Grooves. Grill chicken over medium heat for 8 minutes per side or until skin is brown and crispy and chicken is cooked through. Arrange on serving platter. Drizzle KC Masterpiece Honey Barbecue Sauce over chicken and serve. Serves: 50

Create a Committee

Form a committee and assign a role to each member to streamline the party planning process.

--Money Master. Sets the budget, collects funds and buys necessities such as plates, utensils, napkins, food wraps and bags.

--Communications Coordinator. The creative genius in charge of designing and delivering party flyers. Keeps track of the RSVPs.

--Grilling Guru. The real block party champion who gets the Kingsford charcoal and lights the briquettes in advance for slow cooking roasts and ribs. Hot dogs and burgers can be grilled last because they're quickest.

--Refreshments Wrangler. Arranges coolers packed with ice and bottled water, leaving room for other beverages neighbors bring along.

--Set Up Specialist. Arranges the tables and chairs before the event and puts savory sides and sweet desserts on separate tables as neighbors arrive.

--Condiment Commander. Ensures there's plenty of flavorful dipping sauces and toppers such as KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauces, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper.

--Entertainment Emcee. Supplies music and organizes fun activities.

--Donation Director. Contacts a local food bank, homeless shelter or other charity to find out what items they need and organizes a collection box at the party.

--Clean up Crew. Rallies volunteers to clean up after the bash, provides important tools, including brooms and Glad ForceFlex trash bags.

Visit mealstogether.com, a new online destination featuring suggestions for spending more quality time together, activity ideas and recipes. Plus, get your own party started by downloading a free Block Party Starter Kit complete with a party planning checklist and more crowd-pleasing, regional recipes created by 10 noted chefs from around the country.

8/13/06

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